[ Keys To Hiring High-Performing Frontline Leaders ]

Manufacturing lives and dies by the numbers. Measurable data that tells you whether you have met production goals or are running at full capacity is an essential part of improving operations and safety at any well-run company. But leadership skills are what companies really need to grow and innovate.

Yet many frontline leaders (FLLs) don’t possess critical leadership skills — a discrepancy that can have dire consequences. At the heart of this problem are expectations set by senior leadership that are far too low. Consequently, traditional job descriptions often fail to communicate the skills that FLLs actually need to succeed.

For example, a low-expectation job description might state, “Do whatever it takes to make sure the job gets done,” whereas high-performance expectations require potential FLLs to “Inspire and develop a highly competent team that continuously produces the highest-quality products in the most cost-effective way.